Pagcor opens Manila Bay casino

The local gaming regulator opened the doors of the Casino Filipino Manila Bay at the Rizal Park Hotel on Wednesday.

Philippines.- The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) opened yesterday the doors of the newest local casino, Casino Filipino Manila Bay at the Rizal Park Hotel, even if there is still controversy around the lease contract of the property.

Whilst House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez questioned Pagcor’s lease contract with Vanderwood Management Corp, claiming that the local gaming regulator had paid the company million in rental fees despite the casino being under construction, the entity responded that the deal would save money in rental fees. Pagcor said that the monthly rental of US$257k was significantly less than what it paid at the casino’s old site, ABS CBN News reported. “Despite the ongoing legal squabble and protests, PAGCOR considers the transfer to its new site as favorable to PAGCOR and the government,” said Pagcor.

A congressional hearing established that the Vanderwood was subleasing the property from Oceanville Spa and Hotel Corp, which was also leasing it from the government of Manila. Pagcor claimed that the agency got back the advance payment from the company, the news outlet said.